Category: Cyprus News Agency

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas conveyed on Thursday Nicosia’s wish to see more interest on the part of the European Union over the Cyprus issue.

Speaking on the sidelines of a military exercise at Kalo Chorio Shooting Range, in Larnaca District, Palmas also replied to reactions from Turkey to a bilateral Cyprus-France agreement, saying that the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state recognized by all international organisations, noting that it is legitimate to enter into cooperation and sign agreements.

Responding to a comment that the European Union should be more involved in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, he noted that Europeans are aware of the Cyprus problem. ‘We would like more interest and more involvement on their part, but international relations on our planet are also shaped based on the national and interstate interests of the member states,’ he added.

‘Since there are bilateral and other interests, our field of action is at a level where we are really fighting to be able to convey our views, our positions and the injustice that Cyprus is suffering’, Palmas pointed out.

Referring to the signing of a military agreement with France, the Minister of Defence noted that ‘in order to be able to sign such a military agreement, first excellent political relations need to prevail between the states that sign this agreement.’

“Therefore, within the framework of this excellent political relationship that the Government and the President of the Republic have developed with various states of the international community, we were able to sign an agreement that has mutual respect and a mutual content in matters concerning joint exercises, joint training, exchange of information on various issues related to the security of both countries and of course other issues that make life easier for all those participating in various activities related to the bilateral relationship in this agreement,” he explained.

When asked if there will be any joint exercises soon, Palmas said yes, noting that the National Guard carries out exercises at a bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral level, as well as exercises that contribute to extroversion and knowledge of the broader environment of military issues concerning the international community.

Referring to the SAFE programme, the Minister of Defence stated that ‘we are in the six months during which we will draw the first funds from the SAFE regulation, which we signed and for which we got approval by the member states of the European Commission in order to be able to participate in this regulation.’

Responding to another question, Vasilis Palmas stated that ‘there are bilateral collaborations and relations with many other countries, with which we have signed cooperation agreements. However, this cooperation with France, because it is combined with our excellent political relationship, allows us to have an agreement that is on a different level than some other agreements that we may sign with another state.’

Asked to comment on the Turkish President’s reaction to the Cyprus-France Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Minister of Defence pointed out that ‘the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state recognised by all international organisations and is legitimate to enter into cooperation and sign agreements’. ‘At the same time’, he continued, ‘Turkey should finally do its self-criticism after 52 years in order to create the conditions (for lifting) the illegality, occupation and invasion on its part for a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus problem.’

Responding to a question about the presence of Greek aircraft in Cyprus, Vasilis Palmas said that ‘every day the General Staff of the National Guard at an operational level and the Ministry of Defence at a political level evaluate the overall situation we have in the region geographically, geopolitically, politically and operationally and depending on the conditions and data that are created daily, we also adapt the security and protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus’.

‘Whatever changes, and if it needs to change, will always be in consultation with the Greek Government’, he underlined.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The negotiating package for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034) was published on Thursday afternoon by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Presidency describes it as a ‘mature and revised’ negotiating framework, which for the first time presents concrete figures rather than ranges across the four headings. At the same time, work is being advanced on the legislative files concerning the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and the Global Europe programme. The document consolidates, in a single text, specific budgetary amounts and is intended to serve as a convergence basis for further political negotiations, without representing a final outcome.

The overall package, based on the draft proposal put forward by the European Commission in July 2025, is approximately 2% lower than the original proposal, corresponding to a reduction of around pound 32.8 billion. In terms of scale, it amounts to roughly 1.23% of EU Gross National Income (GNI), or 1.13% when excluding the repayment of NextGenerationEU debt. The adjustment is distributed across all expenditure categories, although not in a strictly horizontal manner, as the specific political and institutional characteristics of each policy area are taken into account.

In the first heading, which includes cohesion policy, agriculture, and fisheries (the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy), the Commission’s initial proposal had already resulted in real-term reductions compared to the current MFF, with particularly significant cuts in fisheries funding, which had been reduced by around 70% in committed appropriations. The new negotiating package foresees an increase of the relevant envelope to pound 2 billion in current prices; however, even with this adjustment, the level remains approximately 38.5% lower than the current MFF.

At the same time, within cohesion policy, the issue of Member States with Gross National Income below 90% of the EU average is highlighted, as the initial design did not sufficiently address their investment gap in areas such as transport and the environment, prompting discussions on targeted support. Within the Common Agricultural Policy, adjustments have already been introduced to increase flexibility in the use of funds, including the possibility of transferring resources from flexibility reserves to CAP interventions, in order to address implementation needs.

For the headings 2 and 3 covering competitiveness, defence, security, research, and external action, a uniform adjustment of around 3.9% is proposed for each. These areas had already seen significant increases in the Commission’s original proposal, and the current adjustment is therefore described more as a moderation of growth rather than a genuine cut. Despite these changes, funding levels remain clearly above those of the current programming period, maintaining the EU’s strategic emphasis on priorities such as European defence, technological development, and competitiveness.

It is noted that specific allocations for overseas territories and treaty-based obligations of Heading 4, such as the Euratom programme, are not affected, while in the fourth heading the adjustment is limited to 0.5%, reflecting the available budgetary margin.

In terms of architecture, the new framework presented by the Cypriot Presidency maintains the central role of the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), which serve as the main mechanism for national allocations and underpin policies such as cohesion and agriculture. At the same time, it strengthens the logic of multi-level governance and partnership, with increased involvement of regions.

The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) consolidates competitive programmes without pre-allocated national envelopes and focuses on areas such as research and innovation, defence and space, clean technologies, digital transformation, and health. Negotiations on this instrument are reportedly at an advanced technical stage.

Significant progress is also noted on the Global Europe programme, which reshapes the EU’s external financing architecture by combining development cooperation with the Union’s broader geopolitical priorities. The aim is to enhance the EU’s credibility as an international partner while preserving the predictability and stability of development assistance.

The negotiating framework is not a final agreement but a key intermediate stage designed to establish a realistic basis for convergence among Member States. The objective is to create the conditions for a political agreement by 2026, allowing sufficient time for Member States to prepare their national programmes for the post-2027 period.

In May 2026, the total number of State Employees reached 55,382, recording an increase of 77 employees (0.1%) compared to May 2025, according to data published on Thursday by the Statistical Service.

Employment in the Civil Service declined by 1.2%, while it increased in the Educational Service and in the Security Forces by 1.4% and 0.6% respectively.

Compared to May 2025, the largest increase in total State Employees is observed in the category of employees with contracts of indefinite duration (2.1%) and the only decrease is observed in the category of employees with contracts of definite duration (-3.1%).

Focusing on employee categories by Service, the largest percentage increase in employment is recorded in employees with contracts of indefinite duration in the Educational Service (24.7%), while the largest percentage decrease in employment is observed for employees with contracts of definite duration in the Security Forces (-89.8%), mainly attributed to the completion and non-renewal of specific definite duration contracts in July 2025.

For the period January – May 2026 the average total number of State Employees increased by 0.2% compared to the corresponding period of 2025.

Cyprus is entering a new era in the field of space technologies with the official presentation of EarthView Cyprus, the new strategic partnership between ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence and Cyta for the provision of Earth Observation services and the development of innovative services and applications.

A press release from the ERATOSTHENES says that the announcement of the cooperation was made in the context of the High Level Forum ‘From Space to Solutions: Leveraging Space Technology, Earth Observation and AI for Real World Impact’, Monday, under the auspices of the Cyprus EU Presidency.

Demetris Skourides, Cyprus’ Chief Scientist represented President Nikos Christodoulides.

EarthView Cyprus leverages the Satellite Data Acquisition Station (sDAS), which was developed through the EXCELSIOR Horizon 2020 Teaming project, which led to the creation of the ERATOSTHENES.

Operating from Cyta’s satellite station in the Pera Orini community, it leverages Cyta’s long-standing experience in satellite services and allows for the reliable acquisition and exploitation of satellite data in near real-time.

The press release says that EarthView Cyprus is a key element in strengthening the capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus in the field of satellite Earth Observation, as it supports high-value-added applications in critical areas such as environmental monitoring, climate analysis, early disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture and civil protection.

At the same time, Cyprus’ strategic geographical location allows for immediate coverage of a wide area stretching from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, contributing substantially to the provision of timely and reliable data.

Chief scientist Demetris Skourides said that the project is an important step in the national effort to develop advanced space and digital capabilities that will enhance the country’s resilience, competitiveness and sustainable development.

CEO of the ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence, Professor Diophantos Hadjimitsi said that in collaboration with Cyta they utilize infrastructure, know-how and innovation to transform satellite data into services and solutions that respond to real needs of society, the economy and the environment.

Lefteris Christou, Cyta’s Director of International Wholesale Market said that the project marks a new chapter for Cyprus in the field of satellite earth observation, strengthening the country’s position on the European space map.

Cyprus’ role in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative of the International Labour Organization, is expected to be further strengthened through its participation in the Steering Group that leads the Coalition during its new term.

This position was expressed during a meeting in Geneva between the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, whom the Minister invited to visit Cyprus.

Moushouttas is in Geneva to attend the 114th International Labour Conference of the ILO.

A Ministry press release said that during the meeting they discussed matters concerning the ongoing reform of the ILO in the context of the broader modernization of the United Nations system, as well as technical cooperation with the Organization on Cyprus’ pension system and its sustainability.

Houngbo expressed his appreciation to the Minister for Cyprus’ participation in the Global Coalition for Social Justice and for Cyprus’ implementation of actions to support the Coalition’s objectives. The statement notes that Cyprus’ role in the Coalition is expected to be further strengthened through its activity within the Steering Group leading the Coalition during its new term.

Moushouttas thanked the Director-General for the ILO’s longstanding cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus and the Organization’s contribution during the work of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, and reiterated his invitation to Houngbo to visit Cyprus in early autumn.

European University Cyprus and Deloitte Reward Academic Excellence

European University Cyprus (EUC) is proud to collaborate with Deloitte following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, aimed at recognising and supporting academic excellence among its students.

This award honours the student who achieves the highest average grade in the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, celebrating dedication, perseverance, and outstanding academic performance. We congratulate Ioakim (Makis) Andreou, a distinguished fourth-year student graduating with a BSc in Economics and Finance, whose exceptional achievements reflect his commitment to excellence and serve as an inspiring example to his peers. His success highlights the importance of strong academic foundations for future professional growth.

Award recipients serve as role models, inspiring fellow students to cultivate strong study habits, perseverance, and professional attitudes. The scholarship promotes not only academic achievement but also discipline, commitment, and leadership-qualities that are essential for long-term success.

EUC highly values its partnership with Deloitte and remains committed to fostering talent, promoting innovation, and preparing graduates to become the next generation of industry leaders.

Photo by Deloitte (from left to right): Prof. Simona Mihai Yiannaki, Chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance; Makis Andreou, Fourth-Year Student, BSc in Economics and Finance; Yiannis Leonidou, Audit and Assurance Partner, Deloitte; and Prof. Pieris Chouides, Dean of the School of Business Administration and Digital Technologies.

The UK remains firmly committed to achieving a fair and enduring settlement based on the agreed international framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, British High Commissioner Michael Tatham said at a reception in his residency for this year’s King’s Birthday Party.

“As a guarantor power, we will continue to do all we can to support progress towards that goal,” he stressed.

The High Commissioner also referred to the current Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, saying that “to have achieved so much against a difficult regional and global background speaks volumes for the focus, discipline and agility of all those involved”.

He noted that during this Presidency the UK and the EU have been working to build a closer partnership in both economic and security matters and thanked Cyprus for the support the Cypriot Presidency has given to that effort, expressing hope that the next UK-EU Summit will “turn that work into concrete progress – and it will be a staging post to a still closer partnership in the future”.

He addressed the Cypriot Foreign Minister, saying that “through you, let me congratulate the Republic of Cyprus on a highly effective Presidency, delivered in very challenging circumstances”.

“To have achieved so much against a difficult regional and global background speaks volumes for the focus, discipline and agility of all those involved. In particular, I welcome the steps taken to strengthen EU support for Ukraine and tighten sanctions against Russia – an area where the UK and EU continue to stand side-by-side”.

The High Commissioner also referred to the conflict in the region saying that it “has, of course, been a central concern for both the UK and Cyprus. Moments of crisis test even the closest partnerships. If this period has taught us anything, it is that the harder the situation, the closer partners need to work”.

“And I believe that lesson has been applied in the very intensive top-level political dialogue we have seen throughout this period – between you and the UK Foreign Secretary and Minister for Europe; between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and between our officials at every level” he stressed.

It has also been evident, he went on to say, ” in the exceptionally close cooperation between our respective armed forces, working together so that our defensive assets are combined and coordinated to ensure maximum protection across the island of Cyprus”.

Referring to the situation in Cyprus, he said that “one of my most vivid memories of the past year has been seeing a High Commission-supported project run by the United Sports Cyprus NGO which brings young children from both communities together to play basketball. Watching Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot children – representing the future of this island – playing together so naturally as teammates brought home to me how much human potential is held back by the island’s division”.

The High Commissioner thanked “all those working patiently and persistently to overcome that division, including members of the Technical Committees, some of whom are here this evening”.

Moreover, he said that the High Commission “was proud to support the conference in the UK in February that brought together the co-chairs of all the Technical Committees”.

“The longer I live in Cyprus, the more strongly I feel that the future lies in a reunited island. In bringing to an end this tragic division and all its consequences” he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus’ commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was underlined by Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, during Cyprus’ national statement at the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 9, 2026.

Papaellina noted that the Conference is taking place at a ‘particularly significant moment’ marking the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She said the Convention remains ‘a landmark human rights instrument’ and a ‘powerful reminder’ that ‘dignity, equality, accessibility and inclusion’ must remain at the centre of policies and actions.

In her intervention, the Deputy Minister stressed that safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities ‘is not merely a legal obligation,’ but also ‘a fundamental human rights responsibility and a democratic imperative.’ She added that the Conference provides ‘an important opportunity’ to reflect on the progress achieved, while also recognising the challenges that remain.

She said that she attaches particular importance to the role of organisations of persons with disabilities and said that, as a member of the Human Rights Council, Cyprus has placed the issues of persons with disabilities ‘among its priorities.’

Referring to national policies, Papaellina said that since 2006 Cyprus has enshrined in national legislation the obligation to consult representative organisations ‘on all issues concerning persons with disabilities.’ This approach, she noted, has led to ‘important initiatives,’ including the adoption of a new law in April 2026, as well as improvements in service design and delivery.

She placed particular emphasis on the need to advance supported decision-making services, stressing that empowering persons with disabilities ‘to make their own choices’ is essential to ‘inclusive, rights-based societies.’ In this context, she recalled that this was also the focus of the High-Level Conference hosted in Cyprus in May, aimed at providing ‘a comprehensive platform for discussions’ on disability issues from political, technical and civil society perspectives.

The Deputy Minister further noted that, as the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2026, Cyprus is committed to promoting ‘an Autonomous Union of values that leaves no one behind.’ She assured that Cyprus will continue to work closely with the European Union, UN Member States, the United Nations, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities.

Concluding, she called on the international community to use the twentieth anniversary of the Convention as ‘a renewed call’ for further action, ambition and solidarity.

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the support of the US Congress was ‘valuable’ in the effort to end Cyprus’ occupation.

In a post on X, the Spokesperson notes that within the framework of the 41st annual conference of the International Coordinating Committee ‘Justice for Cyprus’ (PSEKA), that took place in Washington, D.C. they held a series of important meetings with members of the House and Senate of the United States.

‘Cyprus-US relations have recorded significant and measurable progress in recent years,’ the Spokesperson says, noting that today, the cooperation between the two countries was steadily expanding in areas of strategic importance, from security and energy to the economy, technology and regional stability.

‘The Republic of Cyprus is now recognised as a reliable and predictable partner of the United States in the Eastern Mediterranean. As a state that can significantly contribute to the security, cooperation and stability of the wider region’, Letymbiotis says in his post.

At the same time, he adds, the struggle to end the island’s occupation and to restore legitimacy ‘continues with the same determination. With consistency, with persistence and with faith in International Law’.

‘The long-standing and bipartisan support expressed in the US Congress constitutes a valuable support in this effort’, he said, adding that every step that strengthens the international position of the Republic of Cyprus, ‘also strengthens our power to claim the liberation and reunification of our homeland’.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 11/06/2026 UNTIL 1800 12/06/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but locally increased low cloud coverage with local mist and/or fog patches are expected, mainly overnight and during dawn.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL